Bold new sedan raises the bar in compact segment

Originally published: January 31, 2013

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Most cars have a typical lifespan of between five and seven years, with a mid-cycle refresh coming around the three-year mark. The Kia Forte, on the other hand, has been reworked at warp speed. Originally launched in 2010, it was only on the market for a few months before the interior was revamped to address concerns over the quality of the plastics. Shortly thereafter, the antiquated four-speed automatic transmission made way for a modern six-speed unit. Now, in 2013, the Forte is undergoing a complete redo and will debut as a 2014 model. It sees a new style that’s wrapped tightly around a car that is both longer and wider. As I say, a warp-speed progression compared to the industry norm.

The look is refreshingly different — it is the typical three-box design, but with style. The bold face is flanked by an advanced lighting system that is now available with High Intensity Discharge headlights and LED daytime running lights. At the back, the bold tail lights add width to the Forte’s stance. The top-line SX earns Kia’s new “Light Bar Technology” tail lights. Here the LED light shines through a frosted lens, which delivers superb illumination and adds sophistication to the look. The combination adds up to an attractive car, as was evidenced by the admiring looks it earned on the drive around the Scottsdale area.

The exterior flair flows into the interior design, where the use of new soft-touch materials highlights a cabin that’s packed with comfort and convenience. Depending upon the trim level selected, the Forte is available with everything from the usual power items, air conditioning, cruise control, heated seats, Bluetooth and UVO 2.0 (a voice-activated infotainment system that mirrors Ford’s Sync in operation) with a 4.3-inch touchscreen and rearview camera through to leather seating, a heated and cooled 10-way power driver’s seat and a new instrument cluster that features a 4.2-inch TFT LCD display. Again, the top-level model takes things a step further by adding a seven-inch multimedia screen that includes a voice-activated navigation system.

As for the rest of the cabin, the Forte’s increased size and 50 millimetre stretch in the wheelbase (to 2,700 mm) brings more interior space, notably rear seat legroom, and a trunk that now accommodates 421 litres of cargo.

For 2014, the Forte is available with new 1.8-litre and 2.0L engines and both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. The 1.8L engine produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. When mated to the optional automatic transmission, it delivers a run from rest to 100 kilometres an hour of 10.2 seconds, which is par for the compact category.

The up-level 2.0L, direct-injected engine ups the output to 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. When teamed with the automatic transmission, acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 9.0 seconds, which is sprightly for the segment. This engine is the only way to go unless fuel economy is paramount.

As is usual for this segment, the automatic is going to be the transmission of choice. It is quick to shift and it delivers a rewarding turn of speed as the lower gears are aimed at launching the car with authority and then maintaining that early work ethic through the mid-range and on to highway speeds, where the overdrive top gear brings comfortable cruising. It is one of the better transmissions available at this point.

The extensive use of high- and ultra-high-strength steel throughout the body equates to a better base of operations for the suspension and a 37% improvement in torsional rigidity compared to the outgoing car. This and the tweaked suspension gets rid of the harshness that was evident in former Forte. In this case, the ride is comfortable and the handling accomplished, especially the EX and SX models and the larger 17-inch wheel and tire package that accompany both. The additional lateral grip afforded by the P215/45R17 tires reduces understeer when the car is pushed toward the limit and, consequently, there’s less stability control intervention. The setup imparts some true sportiness to the Forte’s drive.

Another new feature is Kia’s Flex Steer electrically driven power steering. This system allows the driver to choose from among Comfort, Normal and Sport settings. On the drive, the sport setting proved to be the right choice. Normal is great for a tight parking lot; Comfort proved to be far too light.

The other area the Forte departs from the segment norm is found in the vehicle stability management system. It not only uses the throttle and brakes to counter a wayward tendency, it uses the aforementioned electrically assisted steering to turn the front wheels a few degrees should the car begin to oversteer.

The 2014 Kia Forte takes a big step forward by blending a bold exterior style with a refined interior and high levels of comfort and convenience. The new engine choices also broaden its appeal. While prices have yet to be announced, the 2014 Forte should not stray too far from current pricing, which ranges from $16,000 to $25,600.